Lalit Modi Passport Cancellation: Vanuatu Revokes Citizenship

Lalit Modi passport cancellation: Citizenship in Vanuatu Being Examined

Ex-IPL chairman Lalit Modi has suffered a big blow with Vanuatu deciding to cancel his passport. This comes in light of the claims that Modi appears to have attempted to leverage his Vanuatu citizenship to escape extradition to India owing to his involvement in a financial crime case. 

What led to the cancellation of Lalit Modi’s passport?

Prime Minister Jotham Napat has since instructed the revocation of Modi’s passport following concerns regarding the purpose of the application. Officially, Napat stated that Interpol denied India’s request for an alert notice against Modi on two occasions, claiming that there was not enough judicial evidence. But fresh investigative findings suggest that Modi’s decision to acquire Vanuatu citizenship may have been a tactic to escape legal scrutiny from India. 

The authorities in India react

The MEA has confirmed that Modi has applied for the termination of his Indian passport at the High Commission in London. He is considering the request while Indian authorities move forward with their case against him. 

Lalit Modi’s Present-Day Legal Issues

Modi’s case also involves allegations of financial misconduct added to foreign exchange violation charges and a ₹425-crore IPL TV rights deal with World Sports Group. After an initial round of questioning in Mumbai, he fled to the United Kingdom in 2010 and has continued to reside there. 

Vanuatu’s Investment-based Citizenship Program 

Vanuatu is an investment-based citizenship program providing citizenship through investments that has captured the attention of wealthy men and women. However, Modi’s story raises concerns over the potential misuse of such programs. As per trending news today, this cancellation may put a dent in Modi’s case and curb his travel freedom.